Latch for automotive vehicle doors



Nov. 7, 1950 a. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOORS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Aug. 22, 1939 INVENTOR.

Nov. 7, 1950 B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOORS Driginal Filed Aug. 22, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 f 1 TM n+ L FI m 4% mm.

INVENTOR.

on aw Mm Mm B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOORS Nov. 7, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Aug. 22, 1939 J [E MA 'I? 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOORS Nov. 7, 1950 Original Filed Aug. 22, 1939 nhN - ran rzi iriy INVENTOR.

Nov. 7, 1950 B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE nooas 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Aug. 22, 1939 non J INVENTOR.

Nov. 7, 1950 B. J. CRAIG LATCH FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOORS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Aug. 22. 1959 I NVENTOR.

Reissued Nov. 7, 1950 LATCH FOR. AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE DOORS Burnie J. Craig, Los Angeies County, Calif.

Original No. 2,204,208, dated June 11, 1940, Serial No. 291,341, August 22, 1939. Application for reissue March 21, 1950, Serial No. 150,827

36 Claims. (Cl. 180-82) Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue This invention relates to door latching and control mechanism which is particularly. although not exclusively, adapted for use in connection with the door of automotive vehicles.

The general object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved latch construction for automotive vehicle doors permitting quiet and positive latching and ready opening.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a novel automotive vehicle door latching mechanism wherein improved means is provided for controlling the latch bolt in its movement to and/or from latched position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel speed controlled latch bolt for an automotive vehicle door.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel release for an automotive vehicle door latch bolt.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel handle and bolt release member for an automotive vehicle door latch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel means for controlling a movement of the latch bolt of an automotive vehicle door latch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a latch including a novel outside handle and bolt release member.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an automotive vehicle door latch mechanism including a novel bolt construction.

A further object of the invention is to provide a latch including a novel member operable to either lock or to release the bolt.

Other objects and the advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation with parts broken away showing an automotive vehicle with the present invention applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing the latch with the bolt in the advanced position;

Fig. 3 is a section taken on line 3-4, Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the latch with the boltin the retracted position;

Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 5-5, Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side elevation, partly in section. and with parts broken away showing the push member;

Fig. 'I is a section taken on line 1-1, Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a section taken on line 8-4, Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary section taken on line !I. Fis- Fig. 10 is a. fragmentary bottom plan view artly in section showing the bolt assembly;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary section taken on line l|--i I, Fig. 2;

Fig. 12 is a section taken on line I2I2, Fig. 4 showing the remote control handle in the unlocked position;

Fig. 13 is a section taken on line i3--i3, Fig. 2;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary section taken on line l4-It, Fig. 2;

Fig. 15 is an elevation of the strike;

Fig. 16 is an elevation of the end of the door showing the bolt and dog releasing arm aperture;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the bolt;

Fig. i3 is a perspective view of the carriage;

1 12g. '19 is a sectional view of the key operated Fig. 20 is a wiring diagram;

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary section taken on line 2|-2l, Fig. 3;

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of the remote control sleeve and cam;

Fig. 23 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing a modification with the latch bolt in the advanced position;

Fig. 24 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing the latch with the bolt retracted and parts in another position;

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary section taken on line 25-25, F 23:

Fig. 26 is a fragmentary section taken on line 26-26, Fig. 23;

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary section taken on line 2'|2'|, Fig. 23;

Fig. 28 is a fragmentary section taken on line 2628, Fig. 23;

Fig. 29 is a fragmentary section taken on line 29-48, Fig. 23;

Fig. 30 is a wiring diagram;

Fig. 31 is a fragmentary side elevation of an automotive vehicle showing a further modification;

Fig. 32 is a side elevation of the further modified latch with parts broken away and showing the bolt in the retracted position;

Fig. 33 is a fragmentary section taken on line 33-33, Fig. 32;

Fig. 34 is a fragmentary section taken on line 34-34, Fig. 32;

Fig. 35 is a fragmentary section taken on line 35-45, Fig. 31;

Fig. 36 is a fragmentary section taken on line 3536, Fig. 31;

Fig. 37 is a side elevation of the lock cylinder;

. riage.

. 3 Fig. 38 is a section taken on line 33-33, Fig. 35;

Fig. 39 is a fragmentary section taken 33-33, Fig. 35; and

Fig. 40 is a wiring diagram.

In the accompanying drawings the invention is shown as embodied in an automotive vehicle door latch which is indicated generally at i3. A latch is shown as mounted upon each front door II and each rear door l2 of a sedan type automotive vehicle I: wherein the doors are mounted on hinges l4 for movement towards and from body pillars i5.

The latches 3 upon the front doors II and the rear doors I 2 are preferably identical with each other except that they are rights and lei'ts and that the key actuated lockis omitted on the rear doors.

The latch |3 includes a base plate l5 suitably secured to the inner wall of the vehicle door and has a selvage plate I! bent therefrom with the latter plate having a rectangular bolt opening or slot i3 therein which is aligned with a slot l3 in the door edge. The inner edge of the slot i 3 is defined by the plate l6 and the other edges as shown include portions 23 bent inwardly from the selvage plate.

The latch bolt includes a carriage 2| (see Fig. 18) having a side 22, an end 23, a flanged top 24, and a flanged bottom 25. The carriage is shiftably mounted on the base plate I6 with the flange on the top 24 slidably engaging tongues 23 bent from the plate l3 and with the flange on the bottom 25 slidably engaging a tongue 21 folded from the edge of the plate I5. The side 22 is extended as at 23 and has outwardly extending portions 23 thereon which (when the carriage is advanced) engage resilient cushion members 33 mounted on the base plate IS.

The carriage 2| supports a bolt 3| (see Fig. 17) which includes sides 32 pivoted at 33 to the carriage and a hollow head 34 which slides on the plate l6 and passes through the slot I3 in the selvage plate II.

A pin 35 on the carriage supports a pair of toggle links 33 (see Fig. 21) which are connected by a pin 31 with a bifurcated toggle link 33 mounted on a pin 33 supported on the forward portion of the bolt The construction is such that the carriage and the bolt must be first advanced before the toggle can be straightened to shift the bolt head 34 about its pivot 33.

In order to advance the carriage and bolt the forward end of a rod 43 pivotally engages the toggle pin 3l while the rear end of the rod passes through an apertured bracket 4| and a second apertured bracket 42 both suitably mounted on the platel5. The forward end of a spring 43 which surrounds the rod 43 engages a suitable stop member 44 on the rod. The rear end of the spring 43 engages a movable L-shaped abutment member 45 which is slidable on the plate l5 and beneath the brackets 4| and 42. The member 45 is suitably apertured to receive the rod 43.

A dog 43 mounted on the pin 35 is normally urged by a spring 41 into engagement with the end of a slot 43 in the plate l3. When the dog is in engaged position the bolt and carriage are held thereby against forward movement from a retracted position. An arm 43 is secured to the dog 43 and passes through a slot 53 in the car- The outer end of the arm 43 is engaged by a release arm 5| which is pivotally and slidably mounted on a pin 52 which is secured to the abuton line Q ment member 45 and which passes through a slot 53 in the release arm 5|. The forward end of the release arm 5| terminates man enlarged head portion 54 which is slidable in a slot 55 in the plate ll adjacent'the slot l3. A spring 56 urges the release arm 5| into retracted position against a resilient faced bracket 51 secured to the plate I 8.

A stop member 53 having a resilient face 53 at each end is interposed between the outwardly extending portion of the abutment member 45 and the bracket 4| and is secured to the rod 43. A spring33 disposed on the rod 43 between the bracket 4| and an apertured bracket 6| secured to the member 45 tends to urge the bolt and carriage into retracted position. A resilient cushioned stop member 62 is secured upon the rear end of the rod 43 and when the bolt is in the advanced position engages the bracket 42. The member 45 slides beneath a bracket 63 and terminates rearwardly as at 34.

A push member'65 slides between the member 45 and the plate I5. A dog adapted to engage the end 54 of the member 45 is pivoted to the push member 35 as at 31 and is urged to engaged position by a spring 53. The rear end of the push member 35 may include stiffening flanges 63 and is shown as slidable beneath a bracket 13 (see Fig. 6) mounted on a plate ll secured to the door. At the rear end thereof the push member 65 is pivotalhr engaged as at 12 by one end of a tubular arm 13 the other end of which is pivoted as at 14 to a bracket on the door frame. The arm 13 passes through a slot 15 in the door and includes a resilient cushion 13 which limits the opening movement of the door.

As the door is closed from a fully open position it will be seen that the push member 55 is advanced until the dog 63 engages the end 34 of the member 45 Further motion of the door moves the abutment member 45 to thereby compress the springs 33 and 43 so that the head of the member 45 advances from cushion stop member 53 and advances the pin 52 until the latter engages the end of the slot 53 in the release arm 5|. when the door is almost closed the head portion 54 .of the arm 5| advances beyond the slot 55 and projects from the door.

Further motion of the door brings the head portion 54 into engagement with an engaging portion 11 on a strike 13 secured to the door frame. The arm 5| is then rocked about the pin 52 and moves the arm 43 secured to the dog 43 so that the latter is rocked to release the carriage. The carriage and bolt are then urged forwardly by the spring 43 until the motion of the carriage is arrested by the cushion members 33. The bolt sides 32 are each notched as at 13 so that when the carriage is fully advanced the notches are in alignment with the edge of the door and with the selvage plate II.

In this position the bolt is free to be shifted laterally as the toggle is straightened until the stop member 62 on the end of the rod 43 engages the bracket 42. After the bolt head 34 has advanced and has moved laterally it engages a resiliently faced engaging portion 33 on the strike I3. Further lateral movement of the bolt moves the door to fully closed positon firmly compressing the resilient bumper 3| disposed on the front of the strike where it is engaged by the door as the latter moves to fully engaged posi-- tion. The spring 43 is so disposed and loaded that the toggle is held firmly straightened.

It will be seen that the above described action avoids slamming and permits easy and quiet closing while maintaining the door firmly in latched position.

When retracted the bolt remains in that position flush with the outer edge of the door so that there is no projecting portion to rub against the clothing or person of the passenger. Also as the bolt does not slidably engage its strike it is unnecessary to lubricate the strike or the bolt so that there is no exposed lubricant. Further as there is no sliding action under pressure between the bolt head and strike to cause wear neither the bolt nor the strike need be a hardened member but may be made as a stamping.

The head 54 of the release arm I is of such shape (see Fig. that when the door is open and the arm is retracted the head fills the slot 55 and presents a flush outer surface. When the arm 5I is extended the head 54 is beyond the slot 55 so that the arm Si is free to be rocked about its pivot 52.

In order to retract the bolt from the advanced position and free the door for opening the dog 86 must be released from engagement with the end 54 of the member 45 to allow the carriage and bolt to be returned by the action of the spring 80. When the dog 68 is tripped releasing the abutment member 45 the projecting portion of this member first engages the stop member 58 and being further moved carries the rod 48 rearward. This action first results in breaking the toggle to thereby shift the bolt laterally after which the bolt and carriage are retracted until the stop member 58 engages the bracket H at which time the dog 48 will be disposed in the slot 48.

Three means are shown by which the dog 65 may be tripped and thus the door opened; an outside door handle, an inner finger tip control, and an inside emergency release. The release mechanism is indicated generally at 82, and includes an outside door handle 83 and a roll back 84 mounted on a sleeve 85 rotatable on the plate I5. The sleeve 85 has a hole 85 therethrough which is defined by parallel sides and arcuate ends which are adapted to receive a similarly shaped end on the handle 83. The roll back 84 engages a tongue 81 bent up from a sliding member 88 which includes slots 89 which receive pins 80 secured to the plate I8. The sliding member 08 is urged toward the roll back by a spring 9I secured to the plate I5.

The release mechanism 82 further includes a control lever 92 pivoted to the member 88 at 93 and including wings 94 adjacent the sleeve 85. The wings 94 are engageable with an eccentric pin 95 (see Fig. 19) of a spindle lock shaft 88 which is of usual construction including a lock barrel 91. The lock shaft may be turned in either direction by a key and when released is returned by a spring 98. The normal unlocked condition is shown in Fig. 2. When the lock shaft is rotated from this position, the eccentric pin pushes the upper wing up thus lowering the other end 99 of the control lever 92. A reverse movement of the key reverses the direction of movement of the control lever. The details of the key operated lock form no part of the present invention and other types of locks may be employed.

The bracket 42 extends over the control lever 92 and as shown includes a barrel I00 (see Fig. 13) containing a spring IOI which urges a ball upper or lower position so that the ball I 02 enters either groove thus permitting the control lever 82 to be. reciprocated bodily back and forth by the action of the roll back 84 without departing from its adjusted position.

A cam portion I04 on the end 89 of the control lever 92 is adapted to engage a companion portion I05 on the dog 55 when the control lever 92 is recig'ocated while in the raised or unlocked condition. When the control lever 82 is in this position and is shifted by the outside handle through the roll back 84, the cam I04 engages the portion I05 on the dog 55 to swing the latter about its pivot so that it is raised from engagement with the end 84 of the member 45. If, however, the control lever 82 is turned by the key to the lower or locked condition and the lever 92 is then shifted by the roll back 84, the cam I04 does not engage the portion I05 but instead passes through a slot I08 in the dog 88 so that the dog is not released.

The dog 58 may be also released by a finger tip control I01 which is preferably built into the handle I08 of a remote control assembly on the inside of the door as shown in Fig. 12. As shown the fingertip control I01 includes a thumb or finger tip operable button I 09 slidable in a bore H0 in the handle I08 and urged outwardly by a light spring III encircling a rod II2 connecting the button I09 with a plunger II3 which slides within a sleeve II4 rotatable within an aperture H5 in the plate I5 and an aligned aperture H8 in the bracket 63. A stop member In is secured within the sleeve H4.

The initial or preliminary movement of the button I09 and plunger I I8 operates an electrical switch H8. 'The switch includes a bent resilient strip II9, contacts I20 and a supporting bracket I2I. The switch IIII controls a circuit I22 (see Fig. 20) to an electro-magnet I23 which in turn operates a dog I24 from its normal position which limits further motion of the plunger II3 to a position which permits further movement of the plunger.

As shown in the wiring diagram the circuit includes a suitable speed influenced member I25 which is subject to the speed of the vehicle and the construction is such that the circuit to the electro-magnet I23 is rendered inoperative when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a certain rate but is operative when the vehicle is below the certain rate. The speed controlled member I25 may be of any type e. g. it may be of the type disclosed in the applicants prior application, Serial No. 206,534, filed May 7, 1938, now Patent No. 2,187,933, granted January 23, 1940.

The dog I24 (see Fig. 14) is pivoted to the bracket 53 as at I26 and includes an armature portion I21 adjacent the electro-magnet I23 and a portion I28 adjacent the sleeve I I4 the latter portion being in the path of the plunger H3 when the electro-magnet is not energized but allowing further motion of the plunger when the electro-magnet shifts the dog. A spring I29 normally urges the dog I24 into engaged position. A movement of the plunger beyond its preliminary position causes the plunger to engage the end portion I30 of the dog 85 to thereby shift I02 into either of two grooves I09 in the control lever 82. This construction is such that the control lever may be rocked by the key to either the dog and release the bolt. The electrical lead I23- to the electro-magnet .is conducted to the door by passing through the bore of the tubular arm 13. A guard portion I3I on the handle I05 (see Fig. 12) partially surrounds the push button I09 and prevents the latter from being operated by a chance blow.

It will be seen that the door may be opened from the inside while the .vehicle is at rest by a light pressure on the button I which. however. cannot be operatedwhen the vehicle speed is above a certain rate. Further only a small amount of current flows only for a very short period when the door is being opened and no current flows at any other time.

The dog 33 may be released and the door opened by means of the remote control handle I03 which is shown as rigidly attached to one end of the rotatable sleeve I I4. The sleeve II4 includes at its other end a cam portion I32 (see Fig. 22) which, when the handle and sleeve are rotated, engages the extending portion I of the dog 60 and shifts the latter to release the bolt. An arm I33 is rigidly secured to the sleeve H4 and includes an arcuate portion I34 which carries a relatively heavy spring I35 which at one end engages the arm I33 and at the other a suitable apertured bracket I30 secured to the plate I0.

It will be seen that the remote control may be operated under heavy force, at all times, the spring I33 being of such nature that the handle may be turned only when a heavy force is applied thereto.

The control lever 92 may be shifted to and from the locked position by an interior locking lever I31 (see Fig. 12) which passes through a slot I33 in the plate I 0 and is pivoted on the sleeve H4. The lever I31 includes an arm I39 with a bent up end I40 engaging a slot I in the end 99 of the control lever 92. As shown the slot I has a curved portion I42 engageable with a rounded edge of the bent up end I40.

The arm I39 includes a cam I43 which when the control lever is in the locked position, is in the path of movement of a cam I44 on the memirer 43 so that it will be lifted when the latter cam moves either forwardly or rearwardly. It will be seen that the latch will remain in locked condition when the control lever 92 is first lowered to the locked position by the locking lever I31 through the bent up end I40 engaging the slot HI and the door is then closedwhile the outside handle is turned. With the cam parts in the broken line position of Fig. 4 wherein the outside door handle is turned, the abutment member 43 advances, the cam I44 engages the cam I43 and raises the arm I39. When the handle is released the lever 92 is shifted by the spring II so that the curved portion I42 of the slot I4I engages the end I40 of the arm I39.

If the door is closed with the locking lever in locking condition and without turning the outside door handle, the cams I43 and I44 return the mechanism to unlocked position. Further, the cams I43 and I 44 return the mechanism to unlocked condition when the door is locked and then opened by either the finger tip control or the inside door handle.

Operation It will be noted that as the door opens the bolt remains in retracted position so that the clothing or person of a assenger cannot be soiled by contact with the bolt and it will also be observed inserting the key and placing 8 that the strike 18 being resiliently faced requires no lubrication since at no time is there any sliding action under pressure between bolt and strike.

35 and 38 so that the door cushions or bumpers 8| are tightly compressed.

The construction is such that the straightening action of the toggle occurs when the toggle is beyond the door glass guiding channel I41 and the latch is sufflciently thin to operate within the space between the door glass inner door wall.

To latch the door it is slowly moved to closed position (it may, however, be slammed if desired). The permitted slow movement tends to prevent closing the door upon the fingers. As the door is closed to an approximately fully latched position the toggle actuating mechanism is released by the action of the release arm BI and first moves the bolt outwardly behind the strike, whereupon the bolt is moved laterally to engage the strike and move the door to fully closed position. The bolt mechanism is energized as the door is closed by the action of the arm 13 which is similar to the usual door check and the lead I23 to the electro-magnet passes through this arm so that a member already available serves as a wire guide and latch energizing member.

From within, the bolt may be locked to prevent release through the actuation of the outside handle by shifting the interior locking lever I31 which moves the control lever 92 to locked position.

When the vehicle is at rest, the bolt may be released (whether it is in locked or unlocked condition) by light pressure of the thumb or finger tip on the push button I09. The finger tip release enables a front seat occupant to reach back and without effort push a rear door button to release that door.

When the vehicle is running the speed control I25 automatically prevents actuation of the push button I09, beyond the preliminary position, to

release the bolt but under this condition the remote control handle may be rotated by a heavy force. If the wiring circuit fails, the emergency handle is available for door opening.

If the passenger desires to alight and leave the vehicle in locked condition, he grasps the inside remote control handle I00 and when the vehicle is at rest, pushes the convenient button I09 to release the bolt. He may then without removing his hand from the handle ,move the locking lever I31 to locked position. He then leaves the vehicle, turns the outside handle and pushes the door shut. The door remains locked. Outside looking or unlocking may be performed with a key in the conventional manner.

To prevent accidental or thoughtless locking provision is made through the interaction of the cams I43 and I44 so that the mere shutting the door, without deliberately turning the outside door handle when the bolt is in locked condition, restores the bolt to unlocked condition.

In Figs. 23 to 30 a modification of the invention is shown in a door latch which is indicated generally at 200.

As shown the latch 200 includes a base plate MI and a selvage plate 202 turned up therefrom and including a rectangular bolt slot 203 with ineases wardly extending peripheral guide portions 204 thereon. A bolt 205 of rectangular vertical section and having a bevelled end 208 slides within the slot 203 and is secured to a rod 201 which slidably engages a suitably apertured bracket 208 secured to the plate 201. g

.A spring 208 surrounding the rod 201, at one end engages the bolt 205 and at the other end engages an L-shaped abutment member 210 similar to the abutment member 45, previously described. A resiliently faced stop member 211 is interposed between the bracket 208 and the member 210 and is secured to the rod 201. A spring 212 surrounding the rod 201 engages the bracket 208 and a bracket 213 secured to the member 210. The member 210 slides beneath the bracket 208 and beneath a second bracket 214 also secured to the plate 201.

A push member 215 slides on the plate 201 beneath the member 210 and includes a dog 218 which is similar to the dog 85. The dog 216 engages the end 211 of the member 210 and is pivoted to the member 215 as at 218 and is urged toward the base plate by a spring 219. The push member 215 is similar to the push member 65 and is pivotally attached at its rear end to an arm 220 similar to the arm 13.

As the door is closed from the fully open position it will be seen that the push member 215 is urged forwardly until the dog 216 engages the end 211 of the member 210. Further motion of the door urges the bolt 205 forwardly and compresses the spring 212. Still further motion of the door brings the sloping face 205 of the bolt 205 into engagement with a strike 221 of usual construction including a bolt engaging face 222 and a safety catch 223. The spring 208 i compressed as the bolt rides over the bevelled portions of the strike.

It will be seen that the bolt is held in retracted position within the door by the spring 212 acting through the member 210 and the stop 211 except when the door is almost closed so that a passenger will not soil clothes or person in leaving or entering a vehicle.

In order to retract the bolt from the advanced position and free the door for opening the dog 216 must be released from engagement with the end 211 of the member 210, thus allowing the spring 212 to return the bolt.

Three means are shown by which the dog 213 may be tripped, namely, an outside door handle, a finger tip control, and an inside remote control. The release mechanism which is operable by an outside handle is indicated generally at 224 and includes a roll back 225 similar to the roll back 84 mounted on a sleeve 225 rotatable on the plate 201 and similar to the sleeve 85. The roll back 225 engages a tongue bent up from a sliding member 221 which includes slots 228 re ceiving pins 229 secured to the plate 201. The sliding member 221 is urged toward the roll back 225 by a spring 230 secured to the plate 201.

The release mechanism 224 includes a control lever 231 pivoted to the sliding member 221 as at 232 and sliding beneath a bracket 233 secured to the plate 201. The bracket 233 inclues a barrel 234 mounted thereon and similar to the barrel 100 and similarly containing a spring urged ball engaging in either of two parallel wrooves 235 in the control lever 231. It will be seen that the control lever 231 may be swung to either of two positions as defined by the grooves 235 and then may be reciprocated back and forth by the roll back 223 while in either turned position.

The control lever 231 includes an'extending cam portion 238, similar to the cam portion 104 previously described, engageable with a companion portion 231 on the dog 216 when the lever 231 is in the upper or unlocked condition and passing through a slot 238 in the dog 216 when the lever 231 is in the lower or locked position. When the cam 238 engages the portion 231 the dog 210 is tripped and the bolt is released whereupon the door may be opened.

The lever 231 may be swung to and from the lockedposition by a finger tip control button 238 located above the garnish molding of the door. The button 239 is mounted on the upperj end of a rod 240 engaging at its lower end (as at 241 and 242) in an arm 243 shiftable about a pin 244 mounted on an extension 214' of the bracket 214. The arm 243 is held in normal position by a spring 245. The pin 244 engages a slot 248 in' the arm 243 so the arm 243 may be both rocked and reciprocated.

A tongue 241 on the lever 231 engages a slot 248 in the arm 243. The slot 248 is of such shape that the lever 231 may be freely reciprocated and, the arm 243 may be freely rocked without interaction between the lever and the arm but it will be seen that the lever 231 may be rocked in either direction regardless of whether the latch is in locked or unlocked condition by reciprocation of the button 239.

The arm 243 further includes a projecting cam portion 248 engageable with an extension 250 on the dog 218 when the arm 243 is rocked about the pin244.

The arm 243 may be rocked only when the vehicle is at rest. To prevent rocking of the arm when the vehicle is moving the arm 243 is prevented from shifting about its pivot bya dog 251 controlled by an electro-magnet 252 (see Fig. 28). The dog 251 is normally urged into engaged position by a spring 253. When the vehicle is in motion the circuit (see Fig. 30) is broken by a speed responsive device and the electro-magnet is rendered inoperative. when the vehicle is at rest the circuit may be closed by a switch 254' (see Fig. 27) operated by the initial rocking of the arm 243. Further rotation of the arm 243 trips the dog 218. It will be seen that the arm 243 has an initial movement before engaging the dog 251. This gives the switch sufllcient time to operate and the dog sufiicient time to be lifted; 1

The dog 216 may be tripped at all times by application of heavy pressure on a remote control handle 255secured to a sleeve 256 similar to the sleeve 114, and rotatably mounted'on the plate 201 and the bracket 214. The sleeve 255 includes a cam portion 251, similar to the earn 132, engageable with the portion 250 of the dog 216 when the sleeve is rotated. A spring 258 secured to the plate 201 engages the ,end of an arm 25! attached to the sleeve 256. The spring 258 is of such, nature that the door ma be opened by the remote control only upon the application of a heavy force. 0

When the member 210 moves forward or backward a cam 250 on the lever 231 engages a companion cam 281 on the member 210 when the lever 231 is in the locked position and lifts the lever 231. The action of the cams 260 and 261 is somewhat similar to the action of the cams 143 and 144 previously described. When the door is opened from locked condition by the inside flnger tip or the inside handle means, the cams 280 and 261 return the mechanism to unlocked condition.

ll Whenthevehicleisatresttheboltmaybe released by actuation of the outside door handle in the usual manner.

Bypushingdownonthepushbuttonflsthe bolt is placed in locked condition to prevent actuatlon oi the'outside door handle to release the bolt. The bolt may be released when the vehieleisatrestbypushingrearwardl onthe push button 38] regardlem oi whetherthe latch lsinlockedorunlockedconditlonandregardlessoiwhetlnrtheboltisengogedinsatety latched or i'ully .latched positions.

'iheinsideremotecontrolhandleservesasan emergency-release and maybeoperated atall timestordeasetheboltoithespeed oithe vehicle.

. tip control, andan inside remote control handle.

The inside finger tip control and the inside remote control handle as shown are in all respects similar to those of the first described latch Ill.

The release. mechanism which is operated by an outside push button is indicated generally at Ill and includes a lock barred ll! which also serves as a finger or thumb controlled push button. As shown in Fig. 36 the lock barrel ill! is similar in construction to the lock barrel 0! of the latch I. and is slidable within the bore of a hollow cylinder lll fitting within an aperture in the base plate Ill. The lock barrel 3 includes a transverse pin III which may be ,shifted by the action of the usual key and which is slidable within longitudinal slots III in the cylinder Ill! preventing rotation of the loci: barrel. The integral button 300 is normally urged outwardly by a spring Ill surrounding the lock barrel and en-' gaging a stop member I.

As shown the integral lock barrel and push button may be mounted in the hub of an exterior fixed handle Iii fitted into a recess II! in the door to present a neat flush appearance. The handle includes an end portion 3|! while the recess includes a socket iii. In assembling. the latch)" is first attached to the inner panel 01' the door, the handle ii! is then fitted into place in the recess II, with the portion ll! seated in the socket SIB, and finally the cylinder ill is inserted. It will be seen that the handle II! is then immovably securedin place by a screw ll!" engaging in aligned openings in the door, in the cylinder Sill and in the handle III, and any load applied to the handle is well distributed on the door.

The transverse pin III is engageable with wings ill on an arm ill pivoted to the base plate 302 as at us. Rotation of the look by the key will cause the pin III to rock the arm lit up and down. A snap-over spring 320 engaging the arm and the base plate holds the arm in either upper or lower position.

The inner end of the integral lock barrel and button engages one end of a control lever "I that passes through a slot 822 in the cylinder SIB and is pivoted to the arm II! as at 323. The other end 325 of the control lever til is engagelock barrel and push- 3 is pushed inwardly when 28 is in the raised or unlocked positheendlllisinthelower or locked The lever "I anti the arm I" may be shifted to locked or unlocked position by an inside looking lever as similar to the locking lever Ill, previously described, and which includes an arm III with a bent up end 332 engaging a slot ill in the lever Ill.

A cam "I on the lever "I is engageable with a cam I on the member I" when the end!" 0! the control lever III is in the lower or locked position and when the end III rests against the plate 802. When, however, the exterior push button is operated and the end 325 is moved away from the plate, the cams I and 3" are no longer in the same plane and are inoperative.

when the door is to be locked the locking lever 330 is first operated to place the latch in locked condition and the door is then closed with the exterior button pushed inwardly.

Closing the door with the locking lever I" in locked condition and without pushing inwardly on the exterior button restores the latch to the unlocked condition through the cams I and 886.

when the latch is in locked condition and the door is opened, the cams I and 336 restore the latch to unlocked condition.

The latch 300 includes an inner finger tip control at similar in all respects to the finger tip control I01, previously described, and includes a push button 338, a switch 340, and a dog 3 operated by an electro-magnet 342. The circuit to the electro-magnet includes a speed control I.

The latch 300 further includes a remote control release similar to the remote control of the latch l0 and including a handle 344 secured to a sleeve I with a cam I on its inner end, and an arm 31'! urged to normal position by a spring I.

The operation of the latch 300 is similar to the operation of the latch In with the exception that pressing the exterior button is substituted for turning the outside door handle.

In order to aid in reading the claims and applying them to the structures shown herein and without limiting the claims to the detailed construction shown and described it will be understood that the expression "finger tip operated means" or similar expressions refer to means which can be operated by light pressure such as might be readily exerted without undue eil'ort by the tip of the average persons finger or the equivalent pressure, and that the expression "hand operated control means refers to means which can be operated only by a pressure which is greater than can readily be produced by the tip of the average person's fingers and refers to control means which requires such pressure that the act would not be performed in what might be termed to be an unconscious manner.

The "speed control means or similar expressions used herein refers to means which is subject to, onunder control of, the speed of the vehicle whilethe expression "bolt release means" or similar expressions refers to means. the operation or actuation of which will free the bolt so the door may be opened.

. 13 The expressions "inside finger tip controlled means and "outside finger tip controlled means" or similar expressions refer to means accessible from within and to means accessible from without the vehicle respectively, although in some of the broader claims such expressions as "finger tip means" refers to such means regardless 01' whether it is within or without the vehicle.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: 1. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a handle, [and vehicle speed influenced] means movably mounted on the handle for releasing the bolt and an electro-magnet and one or more circuits therefor including a vehicle speed controlled circuit controlling member operable to permit actuation of the release means.

2. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a hand operated rotary member operable to release the bolt, the member having a bore and a second member reciprocatingly mounted for axial movement in the bore and operable to release the bolt.

3. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a handle member adapted to be secured upon a door, [and vehicle speed influenced] finger tip operated means mounted on the handle member and movable independently of the "handle member for re leasing the bolt and vehicle speed controlled means including an electro-magnet and one or more circuits therefor operable when the vehicle speed is less than a. certain rate to permit actuation of the release means.

4. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a rotary remote control member operable to release the bolt, [and] a [speed influenced] finger tip operated control member mounted coaxial with the remote control member and [movable] vehicle speed controlled means including an electromagnet and a circuit therefor operable when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to permit operation of the finger tip operated member to release the bolt.

5. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bol movable to engaged and released positions, an inside remote control member operable to release the bolt, [and] a [vehicle speed influenced] finger tip operated control member mounted on the remote control member and vehicle speed controlled means including an electro-magnet and a circuit therefor operable [movable] independently of the remote control member when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to permit operation of the finger tip operated member to release the bolt.

6. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a rotary control member operable to release the bolt, [and] a [vehicle speed controlled] finger tip operated control member accessible to a digit of a hand on the rotary control member and movable to release the bolt, vehicle speed controlled means including an electro-magnetic member and a circuit therefor which is operable when the vehicle speed is less than a certain rate for governing actuation of the finger tip operated release means and a guard member about the finger tip operated member. 7. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bol movable to released and engaged positions, means to release the bolt, means to normally restrain actuation of the release means, and push button' means operable to a preliminary position to free till the restraining means and thereafter operable to a final position to release the bolt, and 'guard means about the push button and arranged to prevent accidental movement of the push button beyond the preliminary position.

8. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to released and engaged positions, means to release the bolt, [and] finger tip operated means operable to a preliminary non-releasing position regardless of the speed of the vehicle, means normally preventing movement of the finger tip operated means to final bolt releasing position, a vehicle speed controlled member operable to permit movement of the finger tip operated means [and operable] to a final bolt releasing position only when the vehicle speed is less than a certain rate, and guard means about said finger tip operated means to prevent chance movement of the bolt beyond the preliminary position.

9. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, an inside door handle, a. [speed influenced] release member mounted on the handle, vehicle speed controlled means including an elecro-magnet and a circuit therefor which is operable [and movable] when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to permit release of the bolt, means operable from without the vehicle to release the bolt, preventing means to render actuation of said outside [control] release means ineffective to release the bolt, and means accessible to the digit of a hand engaging said handle for shifting said preventing means.

10. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a rotar remote control member operable to release the bolt, a [speed influenced] finger tip operated member vehicle speed controlled means including an electro-magnet and one or more circuits therefor operable [movable] when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to permit operation of the finger tip member to release the bolt, means operable from without the vehicle to release the -bolt, preventing means to render actuation of said outside control means ineffective to release the bolt and means mounted coaxial with said remote control member and operable for shifting said preventing means.

11. In an automative vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to advanced and retracted positions, means urging the bolt to advanced and to retracted positions, means to energize the advancing and the retracting means, means permitting the bolt to retract in passing over a strike without deenergizing the retracting means and vehicle speed controlled means operable to release the bolt.

12. In an automative vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a spring for urging the bolt to engaged position, a movable abutment engaging the spring to tension the latter, means operated by door move-- ment when the door moves from a partially closed towards a closed position to move the abutment member and bolt towards advanced position while permitting the bolt to retract while passing over a strike and vehicle speed controlled means operable to release the bolt.

13. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a base plate, a bolt movable on the base plate to engaged and released positions, means to hold the bolt in engaged position, means to release the bolt holding means, said release means including 18 a first member mounted to move to either of two positions about an axis perpendicular to and need relative to the "base plate, and a second. member mounted to move about an axis which is fixed relative to the first member and is substantially parallel to the base plate whereby the second member is free to move about two pivots the axes of which are disposed at an angle to each other, the bolt holding means [on] having a portion disposed in the path of the said second member. to release the bolt holding means when the second member is moved about one axis when -'the first member is turned to one position about the other axis, [and] said portion of the bolt holding means being out of the path the secand member to prevent release 01' the bolt holding means when the second member is similarly moved about the one axis whfle the first member is turned to another position about the other axis, and means to hold the first member stationary in either of its two positions while the second member is being moved.

14. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a door having a recess in its outer wall, a handle member arranged in the recess, said handle and the wall oi the recess having releasable interlocking portions and releasable means engaging the door and handle remote from the interlocking portions for securing the handle on the door.

15. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a door, a handle member on the door, the handle member having a recess therein, a [latch controlling] lock member [mounted] in said recess, a lock barrel slidable in said lock member, spring means normally urging the lock barrel outwardly in the lock member, latch controlling means carried by the lock barrel and a removable securing member engaging the handle member, said lock member and the door to hold the parts assembled.

16. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a door having a recessed outer wall, a handle member arranged in said recess and having a portion releasably interlocked with the; wall of the recess, means engaging the door and handle remote from the interlocked portion for securing the handle on the door, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, and means slidably mounted on the handle for releasing said bolt.

struction, a bolt movable to released and engaged positions, a handle adapted to be fixed upon the exterior of a door, [vehicle speed controlled] push button means accessible for operation by a digit of a hand engaging the handle to release the bolt, vehicle speed controlled means including an electro-magnet and one or more circuits therefor operable when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to permit operation of the push button means -to release the bolt, means operable from within a vehicle to actuate the bolt releasing means, and means to condition the bolt to prevent release thereof by operation of said push button while permitting actuation of the inside means to release the bolt.

18. In a latch construction for doors of automotive vehicles, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions [vehicle speed controlled] means for controlling movement of the bolt to released position, vehicle speed controlled means including an electro-magnet and a circuit therefor which is operable when the vehicle speed is less than a certain rate for governing actuation sass:

of the controlling means. a check member adapted to engage the wall oi [the] a door opening and a vehicle door to'limit the opening movement of the door. and means operated by the check member for energizing the bolt controlling means.

19. In a latch construction for doors of automotive vehicles, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means for controlling movement of the bolt, electro-magnetlcally influenced means for actuating the control means, a member adapted to engage the wall of a door opening and a door and shii'table across [a] said door as the latter is moved, means operated by the member for conditioning the bolt controlling means, and a lead on the member for supplying current to said electro-magnetically influenced means.

20. In a latch construction for doors of auto motive vehicles, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means for controlling movement or the bolt, electro-magnetically influenced means for actuating the control means, a lead for the electro-magnetic means, a check member adapted to eng e a door frame and a door to limit the opening movement 0! the door, and means operated by the check member for conditioning the bolt controlling means, the check member including a tubular portion, the lead extending through the tubular portion.

21. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, an outside handle, a base plate, a bolt movable on the base plate to engaged and released positions, means whereby ,closing movement of the door moves the bolt to engaged position. means normally urging the bolt to released position, a pivoted dog operative when the bolt is in engaged position to normally prevent move released position, said release means including a 17. In an automotive vehicle door latch consupport member mounted to move to either of two positions about an axis fixed on the base plate, a release arm mounted to move on the support member, the release arm being eflective to release the bolt when it is moved while the support member is turned to one position about its axis, and being inefiective to release the bolt when similarly moved while the support member is turned to its other position about its axis, releasable means to hold the support member stationary in either of its two positions while the release arm is being moved, and other release means remote from the outside handle, said other release means including one part [and] engageable with and operable to move the pivoted dog to release the bolt, a remote control handle rotatably mounted on the door adjacent to another part of the other release means, means connecting the remote control hilndle to the other part of the other release means and operable by rotation of the remote control handle to actuate the other release means, an operating member on the outside handle, and control means extending from the operating member to the first mentioned release means and actuated by movement 17 adjacent to the release means, means operable by rotation o! the remote control handle upon the application oi a heavy torce to actuate the release means, ilnger tip operated means operable upon the application oi a light force to actuate the release means, vehicle speed influenced means for controlling operation of the finger tip means, an operating member mounted on the outside handle, control means extending from the operating member to the release means and actuated by movement of the operating member to release the bolt, and means to render actuation oi the control means ineilective to release the bolt.

23. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a hand grip member, [and vehicle speed influenced] means accessible to a digit of a hand on the hand grip member tor releasing the bolt, preventing means rendering the release means ineflective to release the bolt, and a vehicle speed controlled member remote from the handle and means operated by the vehicle speed controlled member to free the preventing means to permit operation of the releasing means when the vehicle speed is less than a certain rate.

24. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a door including a recess in its outer wall, a grip member in the recess, a bolt, [and vehicle speed controlled] bolt releasing means, including an operating portion accessible to a digit of a hand engaging the grip member for releasing the bolt and vehicle speed controlled means including an electro-magnet and a circuit therefor which is operable when the vehicle speed is less than a certain rate for permitting actuation of the release means.

25. In an automotive vehicle door latch construction, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a hand grip member, a [vehicle speed controlled] push button accessible to a. digit of a hand on the grip member and operable to release the bolt, [and] lock means to prevent release of the bolt by actuation of the push button and an electric circuit including a vehicle speed controlled switch operable to permit actuation of the lock means.

26. In an automotive vehicle door latch construction, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a [vehicle speed controlled] push button member operable to release the bolt, [and] key operated lock means in the push button and operable to prevent release of the bolt by actuation of the push button, preventing means rendering the push button ineflective to release the bolt, and vehicle speed controlled means remote from. the push button and operable to free the preventing means to permit operation of the push button to free the bolt when the vehicle speed is less than a certain rate.

27. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a hand cases engageable rotary control member operable to release the bolt, and a finger tip operated control member on the hand engageable rotary control member for movement independent of the rotary control member and movable to release the bolt, and a guard member about the finger tip operated control member.

28. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a door having a recess in its outer wall, a grip member extending across the recess and including a part spaced from the inner wall of the recess, a door bolt, a lock member for the bolt, and means to secure the lock member to the grip member and the grip member to the door.

29. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, a door having a recess in its outer wall, a

' hand engaging the handle for releasing the bolt.

30. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, an inside door handle, a member accessible to a digit of a hand on the handle and movable to release the bolt, means operable from without the vehicle to release the bolt, preventing means to render actuation 01' said outside means ineffective to release the bolt, and means accessible to a digit of a hand engaging said handle for shifting said preventing means.

31. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, an inside doorhandle', a [vehicle speed influenced] member accessible to a digit ota hand on the handle, vehicle speed controlled means including an electro-magnet and a circuit therefor which is [and] operable when the vehicle speed is below a certain rate to permit operationo! the member to release the bolt, means operable irom without the vehicle to release the bolt, preventing means to render actuation of said outside means inefiective to release the bolt, and means accessible to a digit of a. hand engaging said handle for shifting said preventing means.

32. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, an outside door handle, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, means whereby the closing movement of the door moves the bolt to engaged position, means normally urging the bolt to released position, a pivoteddog engaging the bolt when the bolt has moved to engaged position to normally prevent movement of the bolt to released position, release means movable to locked and unlocked positions and operative when in unlocked position to move the pivoted dog to free the bolt for movement by the urging means to released position, said release means when in locked position being inoperative to move the pivoted dog, a remote control handle mounted on the door, means operable by the remote control handle to move the pivoted dog to release the bolt, an operating member accessible to a digit of a hand engaging the outside handle, control means extending from the operating member to the release means and actuated by movement of the operating member for actuating the release means to move the pivoted dog to release the bolt and a lock member mounted on the operating member and operable to move the release means to and from locked position.

33. In an automotive vehicle latch construction, an outside door handle, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a pivoted dog holding the bolt in engaged position, spring means normally urging the bolt to released position, release means extending to a location remote from the outside handle and operable to move the dog to thereby release the bolt, a remote con- I trol handle mounted on the door, means operable by the remote control handle to actuate the release means, other release means operable to move the dog to free the bolt, an operating member accessible to a digit of a hand engaging the outside handle, and control means extending from the operating member to the other release means and actuated by movement of the operating member for actuating the other release means.

34. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a bolt movable to engaged and released positions, a spring normally urging the bolt to released position, means whereby closing movement of the door moves the bolt into engaged position, means including a pivoted dog to hold the bolt against release, means to shift thedog to release the bolt,

mounted pivotal support, and meansto shift the in one direction while turned to one position about its pivot, thelast mentioned means being ineffective to release the bolt when the-member is similarly moved while it is turned to another position about its pivot. v

35. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a base plate, a bolt movable on the base plate to engaged and released positions, means holding the bolt in engaged position, means to release the bolt holding means, said release means including a control member [having] a shaft for said controlmember, a'reciprocatingly mounted means to mount said shaft on said support, the axis of said support being fired relative to the base plate, the support being reciprocatable to either of two positions, means to releasablg hold the support in each of the two positions, [and] means to release the bolt when the control her is moved in one direction while the support is turned to one position about its pivot, the last pivoted support,

[dog to release the bolt when the member is moved prevent movement of the bolt has moved to engaged position to normally bolt to released position, release means to move the dog to release the bolt, the release means including a first member mounted tomove about an arts perpendicular to and fired relative to the base plate, a second member mounted to move about an axis perpendicalar to thc'azis of the first member whereby the second member is free to. move about two pivots the axes of which are disposed at an angle to each other,means on the second member to move the dog to release the bolt when the second member is moved about one axis when the first member is turned to one position about the other axis, [and] said last mentioned means being inegective to move the dog to thereby prevent release of the bolt when the second member is similarly moved means being ineii'ective to release the bolt when 88 the control member is similarly moved while [it] the support is turned to [another] the other position about its pivot, and lock controlled means acessible from without the vehicle for moving the [member] support lrom one of its positions to the other position.

36. In an automotive vehicle door latch, a base plate, a bolt movable on the base plate to engaged and released positions, means whereby the closing movement of the door moves the bolt to engaged position, means normally urging the bolt to released position, a pivoted dog operative when the about the one axis while the first member is turned to another position about the other axis, means to hold the first member stationary in either position while the second member ismoved to bolt releasing position, and means to move' the first member to the one position when the bolt is advanced to engaged position while the first member is in the other position.

- BURNIE J. CRAIG.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the 

